By Kary Patron / Contributing Writer

Missouri Valley College hosted its 2024 Athletic Auction on Aug. 9, featuring a live and silent auction that raised over $167,000. The auction was held at the Malcolm Center’s Astrid & Emma Gymnasium with over 400 guests in attendance. 

The night started with a silent auction followed by dinner and the live auction. The auction included over 170 items. Some of the items included Missouri Valley College branded entertainment items, hunting and fishing trips to Texas and Florida, dining and drinking packages, Chiefs memorabilia, and custom-made clothing.

“We run the largest athletic program in the country,”  MVC President Joe Parisi said. “They all have needs and they travel a lot. They go to competitions. They need new uniforms. All that money goes to help support them.”

Missouri Valley surpassed the amount raised at last year’s auction by a little over $52,000. 

“Fundraising is a team sport,” Parisi said. “One of the things I’m most excited about is how this campus community came together to raise the kind of money that we did. I couldn’t be any more pleased with the fundraising work that’s being done.”

The most expensive item of the night was the experience of an evening out with President Parisi and his wife Brenda. The experience sold for $5,000 and a second dinner was added, raising a total of $10,000.

“I don’t know how to feel about that,” Parisi said with a laugh. “They’re gonna be underwhelmed. I’m humbled and honored. Raising $10,000 as part of that deal of being able to go share with alumni that love this place felt very connected. To have that opportunity to have dinner and share those moments; it means a lot to me.”